In brief
Midwife and nursing students in Afghanistan report being ordered to quit their courses, as the Taliban further restricts women's access to education. This decision effectively dismantles one of the last avenues for female education, raising concerns about the country's healthcare system which is already facing severe challenges.
Women training to be midwives in Afghanistan received devastating news this week as they were instructed to stop attending classes, marking a significant blow to the limited educational opportunities available to females in the country. Reports from five educational institutions confirm that the Taliban has ordered the closure of these programs until further notice. The distress of the students is palpable, with videos circulating online showing young women in tears upon learning this shocking announcement.The BBC has not yet received official confirmation of this order from the Taliban’s health ministry. However, it underscores the group’s ongoing crackdown on women’s education since they regained control in August 2021. Young girls have been barred from secondary and higher education, although the Taliban have made vague promises about allowing school re-entry once they have ensured the curriculum aligns with Islamic principles—commitments that remain unfulfilled to date.Previously, midwifery and nursing courses were among the scarce remaining options for women seeking careers, especially since male doctors are prohibited from treating female patients unless accompanied by a male guardian. Just months ago, the BBC highlighted a Taliban-operated midwifery training center where women were gaining practical skills in childbirth. For one student, Safia, this opportunity was a source of pride. "My family feels so proud of me," she shared, underscoring the importance of her role in serving the community.As uncertainty looms over the future of approximately 17,000 women currently enrolled in training courses, officials from the Ministry of Health have confirmed the ban, albeit off the record. The grim reality has left many students devastated and anxious. "Standing here and crying won’t help," one young woman was overheard saying in protest, expressing fear of potential repercussions from the Taliban.Another student shared the distressing experience of being told to clear out their classrooms and worry about their safety while navigating an atmosphere of intimidation. With classes abruptly halted and exams pending, these women fear that the halting of their education could drastically affect their future job prospects and the country's struggling healthcare system. The United Nations has previously reported Afghanistan lacking thousands of midwives, with health statistics indicating alarmingly high maternal mortality rates.The grim reality for women in education continues to deepen in Afghanistan, leaving many unsure where to turn in the face of systematic restrictions on their rights and futures.
